House Bill 5
&
New Graduation Plans
How does this effect my child?
House Bill 5 was passed by the Texas Legislature last summer, and
became law on June 10, 2013. Some provisions of the law took effect
immediately; others become effective during the upcoming 2014 -2015
school year.
The new laws made changes for public education in
several areas:
 Curriculum
 Assessment
 Accountability
 Higher Education
The legislation introduced new graduation programs, performance
acknowledgments for diplomas and transcripts, distinguished levels of
achievement, personal graduation plans, and new minimum attendance
for credit rules.
The new graduation plans are based upon a new
program known as the Foundation School Program.
ALL students entering 9th grade for the first time in 2014
must graduate under the Foundation School Program.
Students already in High School in 2014 may remain or
their current graduation plan or change to the
Foundation School Program.
Current Plans
New Plan
 Minimum Plan
 Foundation School
 Recommended Plan
Program
 Distinguished
Achievement Program
The Foundation School Program replaces all of the current graduation plan with
a single plan. Students graduating under the FSP can receive one of three types
of high school diplomas: a standard diploma, a diploma with endorsement, and
a diploma with endorsement and a distinguished level of achievment.
Distinguished Level of
Achievement
Endorsement - 26 Credits
Algebra II
STEM
Algebra II
Adv Science
Total of 4
Electives
Business &
Industry
Arts &
Humanities
Public
Services
MultiDisciplinary
Adv Math
Adv Science
Adv Math
Adv Science
Adv Math
Adv Science
Adv Math
Adv Science
Total of 4
Electives
Total of 4
Electives
Total of 4
Electives
Total of 4
Electives
Foundation School Program – 22 credits
4 ELA (English I, English II, English III, Advanced English)
3 Math (Algebra I, Geometry, Advanced Math)
3 Social Studies (US History, Government/Economics, World Geography/History)
3 Science (Biology, IPC or Advanced Science, Additional Advanced Science)
2 Foreign Language
1 Fine Arts
1 Physical Education
5 Electives
 Health (1/2 credit)
 Professional Communication (1/2 credit)
 Other local credits (TBD)
 Computer Sciences
 Mathematics
 Science
Students working toward this endorsement must take
Algebra II, and are automatically eligible for the
Distinguished Level of Achievement.
 Agriculture, Food & Natural Resources
 Architecture & Construction
 Arts, Audio/Video Technology
 Business Management & Administration
 Transportation & Logistics
 Marketing
 Information Technology
 Manufacturing
 Hospitality & Tourism
 Finance
 Education & Training
 Government & Public Administration
 Health Sciences
 Human Services
 Law, Public Safety, Corrections, & Security
 Foreign Languages
 Social Studies
 English/Literature
 Fine Arts
 Four advanced courses within any or multiple
endorsement areas, OR
 Four credits in the foundation subject areas, including
English IV, Chemistry, and Physics, OR
 Four credits in AP or dual credit selected from English,
mathematics, science, social studies, economics,
languages other than English, or fine arts.
Placed on diploma and transcript
May be earned for the following:
 12 college credits with 3.0 GPA
 ACT composite score of 28
 SAT combined critical reading and math score of 1250
 Earning a nationally or internationally recognized
business or industry certificate
 Must take Algebra II
 Qualifies student for automatic admission to state
universities through Top 10% rule*
*The University of Texas at Austin does not use the 10% rule, but has a
standard set each year. The 2014 number was 7%.
 English I
 English II
 Algebra I
 Biology
 US History
 Districts may not give more than 2 benchmark exams
to students per state mandated exam.
 No 15% grading policy
 No cumulative score requirement
 No minimum score requirement
 EOC scores cannot be used as part of GPA calculations
 Community and Student Engagement System
 TEA will develop a new website for parents to view
campus and district performance information.
 There will be new accountability designations
beginning in 2016-2017.
 Students who do not meet TSI standards must take
remedial courses in college.
 Students may be exempt from TSI standards by
passing the Algebra II or English III EOC.
 PSAT, SAT, ACT-Plan, and ACT scores may also be
used to exempt students from TSI.
 TSI requirements may also be met by enrolling in and
passing a college-prep course during Senior year.
 Students must earn the “distinguished level of
achievement” designation to qualify for automatic
college admissions under the top 10% rule.